Sir Alex Ferguson Could Not Resist Taking A Dig At New Chelsea Boss Rafael Benitez

Benitez has been swiftly installed in the Stamford Bridge hotseat after Roberto Di Matteo was axed as Blues boss on Wednesday and Ferguson is baffled by events in west London.

The Scot is full of sympathy for Di Matteo, who was sacked despite landing the UEFA Champions League title and the FA Cup, and he could not resist a dig at old sparring partner Benitez, who was involved in some heated confrontations with Ferguson during his spell at Liverpool.

Ferguson feels the Spaniard is 'very lucky' to be handed the Chelsea job, just weeks before they attempt to land the FIFA Club World Cup.

"It is quite amazing when you think that he has won the FA Cup and the Champions League.

"The biggest disappointment for me is that in two weeks' time they are going to the world championship (FIFA Club World Cup). You would have thought they would have waited to give the guy a chance to win it.

"Rafa Benitez is very lucky because on his CV in two weeks' time he could have two world championships to his name - and has had nothing to do with the teams.

"Jose Mourinho won the treble with Inter Milan. He (Benitez) took over and won the world championship without having to do anything and having nothing to do with the construction of the teams."

Reports have suggested that QPR boss Mark Hughes could also be sacked if his side loses at Old Trafford on Saturday, but Ferguson hopes the former United striker will be given more time to turn things around.

"I do not know where that has come from," he said. "But if you do not fancy the manager, why wait until next week?

"Tony Fernandes has said he is supporting Mark and wants long-term management. If that is the case, Mark should be OK."

Ferguson also reiterated his backing for Mark Clattenburg, who has been cleared of racism allegations made by Chelsea in the aftermath of their match with United.

He said: "I did not believe it anyway. The unfortunate thing for Mark is that he has had to carry that stain for the last few weeks.